Browse-Secure virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)

Browse-Secure is the PUP that uses misleading techniques to prevent removal. Use Reimage to locate malicious components and get rid of them faster than with uninstall instructions. A full system scan blocks virus reappearance and prevents traffic to malicious domains.
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Browse-Secure is dangerous Google Chrome extension that was available on Chrome Web Store for a while. This malicious extension promised to secure browsing sessions, but in fact, it stole information from user’s LinkedIn and Facebook accounts, including full name, contact details, and address.

Browser add-on is no longer available in Chrome store, but it is still being spread via compromised sites that display fake security alerts and offers to download Browse Secure to make browsing the web safe again. However, security experts warn that installation of add-ons promoted in such sites might lead to privacy-related issues.

The description of the Browse Secure browser hijacker promises to protect user’s online activities. Once it is installed on the device, it alters browser’s settings and might set modified Google’s startup page that includes a lock icon in the search box.

After entering queries into the search box, it initiates redirect to http://www.browse-secure.com/search?a=[extension_id]&q=[search_query] and lands on Google search. This activity allows tracking user’s interests and search keywords. This information is most likely to be used for marketing reasons.

Shady search redirect tendencies are not the main issue with the potentially unwnated program (PUP). The Browse-Secure virus was designed to steal personal information about users provided on Facebook and LinkedIn. After the installation, this malicious extension connects to the backend server in order to get needed rules to extract information from these links:

facebook.com/me/about

facebook.com/me/about?section=contact-info

facebook.com/settings

facebook.com/settings?tab=mobile

linkedin.com/psettings/email

linkedin.com/profile/edit-basic-info

Browse Secure virus steals the full name of a person, date of birth, gender, address, email address, and mobile number. Aggregated information is sent to the server and developers of the harmful extension. Currently, there is no information how this information is used. However, security experts assume that it might be needed for phishing attacks.

Users are advised to remove Browse-Secure from Chrome and computer immediately. This add-on puts your privacy at risk and might make your computer vulnerable. We highly recommend eliminating it with Reimage or another anti-malware. This method is especially useful if the hijacker was installed without your knowledge.

However, manual Browse-Secure removal method is available too. However, it’s not enough to uninstall add-on from Chrome. You will need to investigate the system and remove hijacker or spyware-related entries by following the guide below.

Browse Secure extension is designed to harvest information from social networks.Remove Browse-Secure from WindowsClick 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').Remove Browse-Secure from WindowsIf you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.Remove Browse-Secure from WindowsRight click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'Remove Browse-Secure from WindowsRight click on browsers' icon and select 'Properties'Remove Browse-Secure from WindowsSelect 'Shortcut' tab and delete 'http://isearch.babylon.com...' or other suspicious URLRemove Browse-Secure from Mac OS XCick 'Go' and select 'Applications'Remove Browse-Secure from Mac OS XClick on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'Remove Browse-Secure from Internet ExplorerClick on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'Remove Browse-Secure from Internet ExplorerRight click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'Remove Browse-Secure from Internet ExplorerDelete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changesReset Internet ExplorerGo to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button againRemove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeGo to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeSelect 'Clear' buttonRemove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeOpen the start menu and select 'Task Manager'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeRight-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeSelect 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show upRemove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeFind Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeGo to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeFind Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'Remove Browse-Secure from Microsoft EdgeCopy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'Remove Browse-Secure from Mozilla FirefoxClick on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'Remove Browse-Secure from Mozilla FirefoxSelect 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of themRemove Browse-Secure from Mozilla FirefoxWhen in 'General' tab, delete malicious URL from 'Home Page' section or click on 'Restore to Default' button. Click 'OK' to save changesReset Mozilla FirefoxClick on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'Reset Mozilla FirefoxClick on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of timesRemove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeClick on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'Remove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeLook for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin iconRemove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeAfter clicking on menu and 'Settings', select 'Set pages'Remove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeClick 'X' to remove malicious URLsRemove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeWhen in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'Remove Browse-Secure from Google ChromeClick 'X' to remove malicious URLsReset Google ChromeWhen in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on itReset Google ChromeClick on 'Reset' button to complete your removalRemove Browse-Secure from SafariClick on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'Remove Browse-Secure from SafariGo to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-onsRemove Browse-Secure from SafariWhen in 'General', delete malicious URL and enter your desired domain nameReset SafariClick on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'Reset SafariSelect all options and click on 'Reset' button

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Browse-Secure.com site listed as insecure and harmful website

While the add-on was available in Chrome store, it was linked to Browse-Secure.com website. However, trying to reach this domain now gives a security warning. Chrome and Firefox warn about a deceptive site that contains malicious content. However, if you bypass this warning, you will end up on leadgen.chupashop.com website that offers to take Amazon’s gift card.[1]

But first, users are asked to enter their email address and confirm that they agree with Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and be positive about sharing their contact details with “carefully selected sponsors who may contact” them. Undoubtedly, agreeing with such statements is not a good idea.

However, after installation of malicious add-on, other promotional sites might provide their shady deals too. It goes without saying that you should not accept any of them and just remove Browse Secure to avoid security risks.

Tips to spot malicious browser extension

The Browse-Secure malware was available on the official Chrome Web Store. Unfortunately, criminals often manage to bypass the legit store and include their harmful apps.[2] Security experts from Los Virus[3] suggest following these security tips before downloading any browser extensions:

do not download extensions from websites that asks to install the add-on in order to leave;

do not install apps from security pop-ups;

always use legit stores;

read Terms of Agreements, Privacy Policy and other related information about the program and its developers;

check the information about the developers and extension outside the store. Even if it has lots of positive reviews, they might be fake. Thus, checking the info in external websites helps to find out the truth about a necessary app.

However, Browse-Secure hijack might also occur during the installation of freeware or shareware if you rely on Quick/Recommended settings. Instead of them, opt for Advanced/Custom setup and carefully follow the guide. If you receive pre-selected “optional downloads,” unmark those ticks to stop their installation.

Uninstall Browse Secure entirely

To remove Browse-Secure, you have to choose between manual and automatic elimination methods. If you feel confident in your computer skills and have plenty of time to investigate the system, you can opt for the first option. By following manual removal guide below, you should be able to get rid of the browser hijacker.

However, if you noticed that add-on is re-installed, you should switch to automatic Browse-Secure removal option and wipe out browser hijacker with reputable anti-malware. Reputable security tool will find and delete spyware’s leftovers.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to remove virus damage. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

Remove Browse-Secure from Windows systems

We are offering REIMAGE to detect malware. You need to purchase Full version to remove infections. More information about Reimage, Uninstall, Terms and Privacy

Follow these steps to look up for hijacker-related files and programs in Windows OS:

Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).

If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.

Uninstall Browse-Secure and related programs
Here, look for Browse-Secure or any other recently installed suspicious programs.

Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.

Remove Browse-Secure from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.

Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.

Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.

Remove Browse-Secure from Safari

We are offering REIMAGE to detect malware. You need to purchase Full version to remove infections. More information about Reimage, Uninstall, Terms and Privacy

Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.

Here, select Extensions and look for Browse-Secure or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.

Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General.

Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Browse-Secure, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.

Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....

Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Browse-Secure removal process.